Four-Day Weekend Begins with Booze and More Booze for Some

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is aptly being called "Blackout Wednesday," named for the college kids home for the holiday who are getting blackout drunk with friends they haven't seen in a while. But they aren't the only ones making this the biggest drinking day of the year.

"Society says it's okay to drink a lot right now," said Alan Hagedorn, manager of Royal Liquors.

Beer, wine and liquor was being sold by the case on Wednesday.

Sales, Hagedorn said, will be triple for a typical Wednesday night. It's the start of a four day weekend for many, and people are ready to let loose.

"In the last three years this holiday weekend has surpassed New Year's Eve sales," Hagedorn said.

Wednesday and Thursday of Thanksgiving week mark the two biggest sales days of the year for the Liquor store.

"You gotta make hay while the sun shines," he said.

The reason, Hagedorn speculates: family, friends and food. They are all good excuses.

"It's the old Italian proverb of, 'You're not drunk, you just haven't eaten enough,'" said Hagedorn.

Bars in the metro are fairing just as well. Granfalloon on the Country Club Plaza said Wednesday night's crowd will be wall-to-wall.

"Here is just been a tradition," said Granfalloon manager Matt Tierney.

Sales at the bar are also expected to be triple an ordinary weeknight.

"It's the biggest of the year by far," Tierney said. "The staff talks about it year round just waiting for it."

Customers like Luke Clarkson say it's a great night to catch up with old friends.

"It's a kickoff to the two-month holiday season," said Clarkson.

Drinker Nick Rich says everyone's just planning ahead.

"I think everyone's just getting ready for Thanksgiving, Tryptophan, all the turkey,he said. "Everyone's just going to have to pass out so everyone's going to have to get their drinking out of the way the night beforehand."

The big drinking night also means the roads are more dangerous. Mothers Against Drunk Driving say between now and New Year's Eve, the nation will see higher rates of drunk driving deaths. So if you are going to drink this holiday season, make sure to be safe and responsible as well.